Best new literary event

This year marked the first Chicago Book Expo. Created by John Rich of the Chicago Writers House Project, the expo gathered publishers and literati alike. A nonprofit fair showcased university presses and self-publishers. The expo included tabling by small presses and magazines, readings sponsored by literary organizations and programming for children. The location made the expo more grandiose: the recently bankrupt Uptown neighborhood Border’s book store. From the ashes rose a celebration of the local lit scene that hopefully will continue to grow.